U.S. patent application number 12/895547 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-24 for method and system for 60 ghz distributed communication utilizing a mesh network of repeaters.
Invention is credited to Ahmadreza Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran.
Application Number | 20110045767 12/895547 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43605740 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110045767 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rofougaran; Ahmadreza ; et
al. |
February 24, 2011 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR 60 GHZ DISTRIBUTED COMMUNICATION UTILIZING A
MESH NETWORK OF REPEATERS
Abstract
Methods and systems for 60 GHz distributed communication
utilizing a mesh network of repeaters are disclosed and may include
configuring antennas in remote RF modules in a wireless
communication device, wherein each of the RF modules receive IF
signals via coaxial lines. The RF signals may be transmitted via
the antennas to a destination device via a mesh network that
comprises the RF modules and one or more external repeaters. The IF
signals in the coaxial lines may be tapped at the RF modules. The
repeaters may be configured via a processor in the wireless
communication device, where the control signals may be communicated
to the RF modules via the coaxial lines. The RF modules may be
configured utilizing a processor in the wireless communication
device, where the control signals may be communicated via the
coaxial lines. The RF signals may be generated from IF signals from
baseband signals.
Inventors: |
Rofougaran; Ahmadreza;
(Newport Coast, CA) ; Rofougaran; Maryam; (Rancho
Palos Verdes, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET, SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
43605740 |
Appl. No.: |
12/895547 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11865004 |
Sep 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
12895547 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 7/2606
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/16 |
International
Class: |
H04B 7/14 20060101
H04B007/14 |
Claims
1. A method for wireless communication, the method comprising: in a
wireless communication device comprising a plurality of remote RF
modules: configuring a plurality of antennas in said plurality of
remote RF modules for communicating RF signals, wherein each of
said plurality of remote RF modules receive IF signals via one or
more coaxial lines; and transmitting said RF signals, via said
plurality of antennas, to a destination device via a mesh network,
wherein said mesh network comprises said plurality of remote RF
modules and one or more repeaters that are external to said
wireless communication device.
2. The method according to claim 1, comprising tapping said IF
signals in said one or more coaxial lines at taps coupled to said
plurality of remote RF modules.
3. The method according to claim 1, comprising configuring said
repeaters in said mesh network via said wireless communication
device.
4. The method according to claim 1, comprising configuring said
plurality of remote RF modules utilizing a processor in said
wireless communication device.
5. The method according to claim 4, comprising communicating
control signals for said configuring of said plurality of remote RF
modules via said one or more coaxial lines.
6. The method according to claim 1, comprising configuring said
mesh network utilizing a processor in said wireless communication
device.
7. The method according to claim 6, comprising communicating said
control signals for said configuring of said mesh network to one or
more of said plurality of RF modules via said one or more coaxial
lines.
8. The method according to claim 1, comprising generating said RF
signals from IF signals from one or more baseband signals.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein said baseband signals
comprise one or more of video data, streamed Internet data, or data
from a local data source.
10. The method according to claim 1, wherein said RF signals
comprise 60 GHz signals.
11. A system for wireless communication, the system comprising: one
or more circuits for use in a wireless communication device, said
one or more circuits are operable to: configure a plurality of
antennas in said plurality of remote RF modules for communicating
RF signals, wherein each of said plurality of remote RF modules
receive IF signals via one or more coaxial lines; and transmit said
RF signals, via said plurality of antennas, to a destination device
via a mesh network, wherein said mesh network comprises said
plurality of remote RF modules and one or more repeaters that are
external to said wireless communication device.
12. The system according to claim 11, wherein said one or more
circuits are operable to tap said IF signals in said one or more
coaxial lines at taps coupled to said plurality of remote RF
modules.
13. The system according to claim 11, wherein said one or more
circuits are operable to configure said repeaters in said mesh
network via said wireless communication device.
14. The system according to claim 11, wherein said one or more
circuits are operable to configure said plurality of remote RF
modules utilizing a processor in said wireless communication
device.
15. The system according to claim 14, wherein said one or more
circuits are operable to communicate control signals for said
configuring of said plurality of remote RF modules via said one or
more coaxial lines.
16. The system according to claim 11, wherein said one or more
circuits are operable to configure said mesh network utilizing a
processor in said wireless communication device.
17. The system according to claim 15, wherein said one or more
circuits are operable to communicate said control signals for said
configuring of said mesh network to one or more of said plurality
of RF modules via said one or more coaxial lines.
18. The system according to claim 11, wherein said one or more
circuits are operable to generate said RF signals from IF signals
from one or more baseband signals.
19. The system according to claim 11, wherein said baseband signals
comprise one or more of video data, streamed Internet data, or data
from a local data source.
20. The system according to claim 11, wherein said RF signals
comprise 60 GHz signals.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY
REFERENCE
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of application
Ser. No. 11/865,004 filed on Sep. 30, 2007.
[0002] This application also makes reference to:
U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No.
23446US01) filed on even date herewith; U.S. patent application
Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 23447US01) filed on even date
herewith; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______(Attorney Docket
No. 23448US01) filed on even date herewith; U.S. patent application
Ser. No. ______(Attorney Docket No. 23449US01) filed on even date
herewith; U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket
No. 23451US01) filed on even date herewith; and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 23452US01 filed on
even date herewith.
[0003] Each of the above stated applications is hereby incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0004] [Not Applicable]
MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE
[0005] [Not Applicable]
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Certain embodiments of the invention relate to wireless
communication. More specifically, certain embodiments of the
invention relate to a method and system for 60 GHz distributed
communication utilizing a mesh network of repeaters.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In 2001, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
designated a large contiguous block of 7 GHz bandwidth for
communications in the 57 GHz to 64 GHz spectrum. This frequency
band may be used by the spectrum users on an unlicensed basis, that
is, the spectrum is accessible to anyone, subject to certain basic,
technical restrictions such as maximum transmission power and
certain coexistence requirements. The communications taking place
in this band are often referred to as `60 GHz communications`. With
respect to the accessibility of this part of the spectrum, 60 GHz
communications may be somewhat similar to other forms of unlicensed
spectrum use, for example Wireless LANs or Bluetooth in the 2.4 GHz
ISM bands. However, communications at 60 GHz may be significantly
different in aspects other than accessibility. For example, 60 GHz
signals may possess markedly different communications channel and
propagation characteristics, at least due to the fact that 60 GHz
radiation is partly absorbed by oxygen in the air, thereby leading
to higher attenuation with distance. On the other hand, since a
very large bandwidth of 7 GHz is available, very high data rates
may be achieved. Among the applications for 60 GHz communications
are wireless personal area networks, wireless high-definition
television signal, for example from a set top box to a display, or
Point-to-Point links.
[0008] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and
traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the
art, through comparison of such systems with the present invention
as set forth in the remainder of the present application with
reference to the drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A system and/or method for 60 GHz distributed communication
utilizing a mesh network of repeaters, substantially as shown in
and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as
set forth more completely in the claims.
[0010] Various advantages, aspects and novel features of the
present invention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment
thereof, will be more fully understood from the following
description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless
communication system, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0012] FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating a laptop computer
with an exemplary 60 GHz mesh network of repeaters, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
distributed 60 GHz communication system with a mesh network of
repeaters, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary 60 GHz
communication system, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary RF
module, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary steps in a
60 GHz distributed communication system utilizing a mesh network of
repeaters, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Certain aspects of the invention may be found in a method
and system for 60 GHz distributed communication utilizing a mesh
network of repeaters. Exemplary aspects of the invention may
comprise configuring a plurality of antennas in the plurality of
remote RF modules for communicating RF signals, wherein each of the
plurality of remote RF modules receive IF signals via one or more
coaxial lines. The RF signals may be transmitted via the plurality
of antennas to a destination device via a mesh network, wherein the
mesh network comprises the plurality of remote RF modules and one
or more repeaters external to the wireless communication device.
The IF signals in the one or more coaxial lines may be tapped at
taps coupled to the plurality of remote RF modules. The repeaters
in the mesh network may be configured via the wireless
communication device. The plurality of remote RF modules may be
configured utilizing a processor in the wireless communication
device, where the control signals for the configuring of the
plurality of remote RF modules may be communicated via the one or
more coaxial lines. The mesh network may be configured utilizing a
processor in the wireless communication device. The control signals
for the configuring of the mesh network may be communicated to one
or more of the plurality of RF modules via the one or more coaxial
lines. The RF signals may be generated from IF signals from one or
more baseband signals that may comprise one or more of video data,
streamed Internet data, or data from a local data source. The RF
signals may comprise 60 GHz signals.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless
communication system, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an access point
112b, a host device 110a, a local data source 113, receiving
devices 114A-114D, a router 130, the Internet 132 and a web server
134. The host device 110a, or computer, for example, may comprise a
wireless radio 111a, a short-range radio 111b, a host processor
111c, a plurality of antennas 120A-120E, and a host memory 111d.
There is also shown a wireless connection between the wireless
radio 111a and the access point 112b, and a mesh network 120
between the short-range radio 111b and the receiving devices
114A-114D.
[0019] The host device 110a may comprise a computer or set-top box
device, for example, that may be operable to receive signals from
data sources, process the received data, and communicate the
processed data to receiving devices. Accordingly, the host device
110a may comprise processors, such as the host processor 111c,
storage devices such as the host memory 111d, and communication
devices, such as the wireless radio 111a and the short range radio
111b.
[0020] The wireless radio 111a may comprise suitable circuitry,
logic, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to communicate
wireless signals to between the host device 110a and external
devices, such as the access point 112b, for example. Accordingly,
the wireless radio 111a may comprise amplifiers, mixers,
analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, phase-locked
loops, and clock sources, for example, that enable the
communication of wireless signals.
[0021] The short-range radio 111b may comprise suitable circuitry,
logic, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to communicate
wireless signals over short distances. Accordingly, the frequency
of transmission/reception may be in the 60 GHz range, which may
enable short-range communications due to the attenuation of signals
in air at this frequency. Similarly, the short-range radio 111b may
comprise amplifiers, mixers, analog-to-digital and
digital-to-analog converters, phase-locked loops, and clock
sources, for example, that enable the communication of wireless
signals.
[0022] The host processor 111c may comprise suitable circuitry,
logic, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to received
control and/or data information, which may comprise programmable
parameters, to determine an operating mode of the wireless radio
111a and the short-range radio 111b. For example, the host
processor 111c may be utilized to select a specific frequency for a
local oscillator, a specific gain for a variable gain amplifier,
configure the local oscillator and/or configure the variable gain
amplifier for operation in accordance with various embodiments of
the invention. Moreover, the specific frequency selected and/or
parameters needed to calculate the specific frequency, and/or the
specific gain value and/or the parameters, which may be utilized to
calculate the specific gain, may be stored in the host memory 111d
via the host processor 111c, for example. The information stored in
host memory 111d may be transferred to the wireless radio 111a
and/or the short-range radio 111b from the host memory 111d via the
host processor 111c.
[0023] The host memory 111d may comprise suitable circuitry, logic,
interfaces, and/or code that may be enabled to store a plurality of
control and/or data information, including parameters needed to
calculate frequencies and/or gain, and/or the frequency value
and/or gain value. The host memory 111d may store at least a
portion of the programmable parameters that may be manipulated by
the host processor 111c.
[0024] The access point 112b may comprise suitable circuitry,
logic, interfaces, and/or code that may be enabled to provide
wireless signals to one or more devices within its range. The
access point 112b may be coupled to the router 130, thereby
enabling connection to the Internet for devices that are operable
to communicate with the access point 112b.
[0025] The local data source 113 may comprise suitable circuitry,
logic, interfaces, and/or code that may be enabled to communicate
data to the host device 110a. For example, the local data source
may comprise a DVD player, and MP3 player, and/or a set-top
box.
[0026] The receiving devices 114A may comprise suitable circuitry,
logic, interfaces, and/or code that may be enabled to receive data
communicated by the host device 110a via the short-range radio 111b
and communicate the signal or signals to a next device if desired.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the receiving device
114D may comprise an HDTV that may be operable to display HD video
signals and playback associated audio signals. The receiving
devices 114A-114D may comprise a plurality of antennas for
communicating RF signals.
[0027] The antennas 120A-120E may comprise suitable circuitry,
logic, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to transmit
and/or receive wireless signals. For example, the antenna 120A may
be operable to transmit and receive wireless signals between the
access point 112b and the wireless radio 111a, and the antennas
120B-120E may be operable to communicate signals between the short
range radio 111b and one or more external devices, such as the
receiving devices 114A. The antennas 120A-120E may be individually
enabled for beamforming capability.
[0028] The router 130 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic,
interfaces, and/or code that may be enabled to communicate signals
between the access point 112b and the Internet. In this manner,
devices within range of the access point 112b may be enabled to
connect to the Internet.
[0029] The web server 134 may comprise a remote server that may be
operable to store content that may be accessed by the host device
110a via the Internet 132. For example, the web server 134 may
comprise a movie provider server and may be operable to communicate
a desired movie to the host device 110a via the Internet for
display via the receiving device 114A.
[0030] Frequently, computing and communication devices may comprise
hardware and software to communicate using multiple wireless
communication standards. The wireless radio 111a may be compliant
with a mobile communications standard, for example. There may be
instances when the wireless radio 111a and the short-range radio
111b may be active concurrently. For example, it may be desirable
for a user of the computer or host device 110a to access the
Internet 132 in order to consume streaming content from the Web
server 134. Accordingly, the user may establish a wireless
connection between the host device 110a and the access point 112b.
Once this connection is established, the streaming content from the
Web server 134 may be received via the router 130, the access point
112b, and the wireless connection, and consumed by the computer or
host device 110a.
[0031] It may be further desirable for the user of the host device
110a to communicate the streaming content to the receiving device
114D, which may comprise a TV or other type of display, for
example. However, in instances where the receiving device 114D is
outside the range of the short range radio 111b, due to the 60 GHz
frequency, for example, the mesh network 120 may be utilized to
communicate the desired signals to the receiving device 114D.
Accordingly, the user of the host device 110a may establish a mesh
network of repeaters comprising the receiving devices
114A-114C.
[0032] Once the mesh network 120 is established, and with suitable
configurations on the computer enabled, the streaming content may
be displayed by the receiving device 114A. In instances where such
advanced communication systems are integrated or located within the
host device 110a, the radio frequency (RF) generation may support
fast-switching to enable support of multiple communication
standards and/or advanced wideband systems like, for example,
Ultrawideband (UWB) radio. Other applications of short-range
communications may be wireless High-Definition TV (W-HDTV), from a
set top box to a video display, for example. W-HDTV may require
high data rates that may be achieved with large bandwidth
communication technologies, for example UWB and/or 60-GHz
communications.
[0033] In another embodiment of the invention, the local data
source 113 may be operable to provide data to be displayed by the
receiving device 114A via the host device 110a and the mesh network
120. For example, the local data source may comprise a DVD player
or a digital video recorder. The local data source may communicate
with the host device 110a via a wired connection or via a wireless
connection, either directly with the host device 110a or via the
access point 112b.
[0034] In an embodiment of the invention, the short range radio
111b and the receiving devices 114A-114D may comprise a plurality
of antennas and frequency up-conversion devices throughout the
device for communicating high frequency RF signals. Each device may
comprise a baseband and/or an IF stage with a single high power PA
that may communicate IF signals over thin coaxial lines. Taps may
be configured to couple the IF signals from the coaxial lines to
the frequency up-conversion devices before being communicated to
the plurality of antennas. In this manner, IF signals may be
amplified by a single PA and subsequently up-converted to 60 GHz,
for example, for transmission via a plurality of antennas without
the need for multiple PAs with excessive power requirements.
[0035] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a plurality of
antennas, such as the antennas 120B-120E, may be enabled to
communicate signals from the short-range radio 111b to one or more
external devices, such as the receiving devices 114A and 114B. The
signals may be down-converted and processed in the receiving
devices and communicated within the devices via coaxial lines at IF
frequencies, and subsequently up-converted to RF before being
communicated to the next receiving device. This may reduce the 60
GHz circuitry requirements in the short range radio 111b and the
receiving devices 114A-114D, as signals may be communicated in the
IF range and only up-converted to high frequency RF at the
plurality of remote RF modules in the devices just prior to
transmission.
[0036] FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating a laptop computer
with an exemplary 60 GHz mesh network of repeaters, in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 1B, there is
shown a mesh network 120 comprising the receiving devices
114A-114C, and the laptop computer 150 comprising a display 121,
keyboard 123, and a plurality of antennas 120A-120M.
[0037] The antennas 120A-120M may be substantially similar to the
antennas 120A-120E described with respect to FIG. 1A, and may
comprise antennas coupled to a plurality of remote RF modules
throughout the laptop 150. In this manner, one or more antenna
configurations may be enabled, depending on the location of the
receiving device, such as the receiving device 114A, and the
antenna configuration that results in the greatest signal strength,
lowest bit error rate, highest data throughput, lowest latency,
and/or the optimum of any other desired wireless communication
characteristic.
[0038] The antennas 120A-120M may be coupled to remote RF modules
throughout the laptop 150. The remote RF modules may receive IF
signals from a baseband and IF module via thin coaxial lines,
described with respect to FIG. 2, and may be operable to up-convert
received IF signals to RF signals. In this manner, lower frequency
signals may be communicated throughout the laptop 150 to the
antennas that result in desired signal quality. This may enable a
single high-power PA stage that amplifies the IF signals that are
then up-converted to RF in the remote RF modules. Similarly, the
same configuration of remote RF modules and IF signals communicated
via coaxial lines may be incorporated in the receiving devices
114A-114C.
[0039] The configuration found to have the desired characteristics
may be enabled to provide pseudo beamforming by communicating an IF
signal to each of the RF modules driving the antennas in that
configuration. Exemplary characteristics may comprise carrier to
noise ratio (CNR), carrier to interference noise ratio (CINR),
signal to noise ratio (SNR), signal to interference noise ratio
(SINR), throughput, bit error rate (BER), packet error rate (PER),
frame error rate (FER), quality of service (QoS), latency, and/or
signal strength.
[0040] In operation, a mesh network of repeaters may be enabled
between the laptop 150 and the receiving device 114C in instances
where the laptop 150 and the receiving device 114C are too far
apart for direct line-of-sight communication at high frequency RF,
such as 60 GHz, for example. Accordingly, one or more antenna
configurations may be assessed in each device for a desired
performance characteristic, such as signal strength, bit error
rate, data throughput, and/or latency, for example.
[0041] The remote RF device and antenna configuration that results
in the desired performance, such as the antennas 120I and 120K, for
example, may then be enabled to receive IF signals via coaxial
lines from a centrally located baseband and IF module, and
up-convert the signals to RF before transmitting via the
appropriate antennas 120I and 120K to the receiving device 114A.
The receiving device 114A may receive the RF signals and process
them before communicating them to the next receiving device 114,
and similarly to the final receiving device 114C. Any number of
repeaters may be utilized in the mesh network.
[0042] FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
distributed 60 GHz communication system with a mesh network of
repeaters, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Referring to FIG. 2A, there is shown a source wireless device 202A,
a target wireless device 202B, a plurality of repeater devices
204A, 204B, 204C, 204D, and 204E, a repeater mesh network 206, and
control connections 208A and 208B.
[0043] The source wireless device 202A and the target wireless
device 202B may each comprise suitable circuitry, logic,
interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to receive, transmit,
and process RF signals. The RF signals may comprise 60 GHz signals.
The source wireless device 202A and the target wireless device 202B
may each be substantially similar to the wireless device 150
described with respect to FIG. 1A.
[0044] The plurality of repeater devices 204A, 204B, 204C, 204D,
and 204E may comprise suitable circuitry, logic, interfaces, and/or
code that may be operable to receive and/or transmit RF signals to
facilitate forwarding RF signals between devices. The repeater mesh
network 206 may comprise portions of the source wireless device
202A and target wireless device 202B, the plurality of repeater
devices 204A, 204B, 204C, 204D, and 204E, and may also comprise
suitable circuitry, logic, interfaces, and/or code that may be
operable to form mesh-like, ad hoc networks of repeater
devices.
[0045] The repeater devices 204A-204E may comprise distributed RF
modules within, such that IF signals may be communicated via
coaxial lines within the repeater devices 204A-204E and
up-converted to RF for transmission.
[0046] In operation, the plurality of repeater devices 204A, 204B,
204C, 204D, and 204E and portions of the source wireless device
202A and target wireless device 202B may form the repeater mesh
network 206. Each of the plurality of repeater devices 204A, 204B,
204C, 204D, and 204E may be enabled to ascertain the presence of
other repeater devices in its vicinity. The repeater devices 204A,
204B, 204C, 204D, and 204E may exchange information that may enable
them to determine routing paths within the mesh network 206 while
transmitting and/or receiving RF signals. Consequently, the
repeater mesh network 206 may enable forwarding high frequency RF
communication between the source wireless device 202A and the
target wireless device 202B.
[0047] High frequency RF communication, such as 60 GHz, for
example, may generally have limited range, typically operating only
under "line-of-sight" conditions. Accordingly, the source wireless
device 202A and the target wireless device 202B may not be able to
utilize RF communication directly. A single repeater device may be
utilized to adequately forward RF communication between the source
wireless device 202A and the target wireless device 202B. However,
a single repeater device may be limited by the operational
limitations of high frequency RF communication while receiving and
transmitting 60 GHz RF signals. Therefore, where the separation
between the source wireless device 202A and the target wireless
device 202B may exceed the effective operational range of a single
repeater device, the use of a single repeater device may not be
sufficient. Consequently, the plurality of repeater devices 204A,
204B, 204C, 204D, and 204E may be utilized to enable high frequency
RF communication between the source wireless device 202A and the
target wireless device 202B at distances that may exceed the
operational range of a single repeater device. For example, the
source wireless device 202A may be enabled to communicate high
frequency RF signals to the target wireless device 202B via the
repeater mesh network 206, utilizing a route that may comprise the
repeater devices 204A and 204B.
[0048] In an embodiment of the invention, multiple routes may be
utilized in a repeater mesh network simultaneously. For example,
where the source wireless device 202A may utilize the repeater mesh
network 206 to communicate high frequency RF signals to the target
wireless device 202B, two routes may be utilized to perform the RF
communication via the repeater mesh network 206. In this regard, a
first route may comprise the repeater devices 204A and 204B, and a
second route may comprise the repeater devices 204C, 204D, and
204E. Information transmitted via the RF communication between the
source wireless device 202A and the target wireless device 202B may
be multiplexed onto the multiple routes to enable increasing
bandwidth compared to what may have been available by use of a
single route. Alternatively, the different routes may be utilized
to achieve redundancy, for example, to improve a reliability of RF
communication between the source wireless device 202A and the
target wireless device 202B. In this regard, each of the multiple
routes may be utilized to perform the same RF communication.
[0049] To improve the effectiveness of the repeater mesh network
206, different techniques may be utilized, while forming routes
within the repeater mesh network 206, to reduce and/or prevent
interference that might be caused by RF signals received and/or
transmitted by a repeater device to the other repeater devices in
the repeater mesh network 206. These techniques may comprise
frequency shifting, spatial isolation, and/or polarization
isolation. For example, each of the repeater devices 204A-204E may
be enabled to utilize frequency shifting to vary characteristics of
transmitted RF signals to reduce and/or prevent interference to
repeater devices not within a determined route. Additionally, use
of beam forming may enable spatial isolation that may reduce and/or
prevent interference to repeater devices not within a determined
route. Finally, proper polarization settings may be selected to
enable transmission of high frequency RF signals by each of the
repeater devices 204A-204E that may reduce and/or prevent
interference to repeater devices not within a determined route.
[0050] The control connections 208A and/or 208B may comprise
control signals and may be utilized to enable the source wireless
device 202A and/or the target wireless device 202B to utilize the
repeater mesh network 206 to forward RF communication. For example,
the source wireless device 202A may utilize control connection 208A
to determine, via the repeater device 204A, availability of one or
more routes that may enable transmitting high frequency RF signals
to the target wireless device 202B. Also, the repeater device 204B
may utilize the control connection 208B, to coordinate with the
target 202B in setting up for RF communication by the source
wireless device 202A.
[0051] While FIG. 2A depicts a single pair of wireless devices,
202A and 202B, utilizing the repeater mesh network 206, the
invention need not be so limited. The repeater mesh network 206 may
be enabled to perform concurrent RF communication forwarding
operations between multiple pairs of wireless devices at the same
time. Additionally, each of the wireless devices 204A-204E, may be
utilized to perform concurrent RF communication forwarding
operations for different pairs of wireless devices.
[0052] FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating a 60 GHz
communication system, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. Referring to FIG. 2B, there is shown a baseband and IF
module 201, RF modules 203A-203H, taps 205A-205H, and thin coaxial
line 207.
[0053] The baseband and IF module 201 may comprise suitable
circuitry, logic, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to
generate IF signals comprising baseband data. The baseband and IF
module 201 may comprise one or more processors, such as a baseband
processor, memory, and frequency conversion devices, for example.
The processor or processors in the baseband and IF module 201 may
be any suitable processor or controller such as a CPU, DSP, ARM, or
any type of integrated circuit processor, and may be enabled to
update and/or modify programmable parameters and/or values in a
plurality of components, devices, and/or processing elements in the
baseband and IF module 201. At least a portion of the programmable
parameters may be stored in memory, such as the host memory 111d,
for example, or dedicated memory in the baseband and IF module
201.
[0054] The RF modules 203A-203H may comprise suitable circuitry,
logic, interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to convert
received IF signals to RF frequencies and transmit the RF signals
via one or more antennas. The RF modules 203A-203H may be
configured remotely throughout a wireless communication device,
such as the host device 110a, described with respect to FIG. 1, so
that 60 GHz signals may be communicated from a plurality of
directions, depending on the location of a device that is the
intended receiving device. By incorporating frequency up-conversion
capability in the RF modules 203A-203H, IF signals may be
communicated from a single high power PA in the baseband and IF
module 201 via the thin coaxial line 207.
[0055] The taps 205A-205H may comprise suitable circuitry, logic,
interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to couple a portion of
the IF signal being communicated via the thin coaxial line 207 to
the associated RF modules 203A-203H. In this manner, taps may be
configured to couple signals when it may be desired to transmit RF
signals via one or more of the RF modules 203A-203H.
[0056] The thin coaxial line 207 may comprise coaxial conductors
separated by a dielectric material, for example, and may be
operable to communicate IF signals throughout a device, such as the
host device 110a. In another embodiment of the invention, the thin
coaxial line 207 may be operable to provide DC power for various
devices within the host device 110a, such as the RF modules
203A-203H.
[0057] In operation, the baseband and IF module 201 may process
baseband signals for transmission via the RF modules 203A-203H. The
baseband signals may be up-converted to IF and amplified by a PA
prior to communication via the thin coaxial line 207, which may
distribute the IF signals throughout the device, such as the host
device 110a, for example. One or more of the taps 205A-205H may be
enabled to tap a portion of the communicated IF signals to
associated RF modules 203A-203H. The RF modules 203A-203H may
up-convert the tapped IF signals to RF frequencies, such as 60 GHz,
for example, before transmission via one or more antennas in the RF
modules 203A-203H. In this manner, an RF power amplifier is not
required at each RF device 203A-203H, which would require more
power than by utilizing a single PA 201A at the IF stage in the
baseband and IF module 201.
[0058] In addition to IF signals to be up-converted and
transmitted, the thin coaxial line 207 may communicate low
frequency control signals to the RF modules 203A-203H and the taps
205A-205H. The control signals may be utilized to configure which
of the taps 205A-205H may be activated to tap off part of the IF
signals for transmission by the appropriate RF device 202A-203H. In
addition, the control signals may be utilized to configure the
up-conversion performed in the RF modules 203A-203H. In this
manner, only those RF modules 203A-203H that have antennas in an
appropriate direction for a desired receiving device may be
activated, further reducing power requirements.
[0059] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the RF modules
203A-203H may be enabled individually to determine an RSSI for
communication between the host device 110a and one or more external
devices, such as the receiving devices 114A-114D. One or more
antennas in the RF modules 203A-203H may be enabled sequentially,
or in any desired order, to determine an antenna configuration that
results in the maximum received signal strength, for example. The
configuration parameters may be communicated utilizing control
channels communicated over the thin coaxial line 207, and the
measured signal parameters may be communicated back to the baseband
and IF module 201 via the same coaxial line. The control channels
may reside at different frequencies than the IF signals to enable
multi-signal communication over the thin coaxial line 207.
[0060] The signal integrity may be assessed periodically to
determine if one or more other RF modules 203A-203H may be capable
of communicating signals with better signal strength or bit error
rate, for example, where either communicating device has moved. The
RF modules 205A-205H and associated antennas may be configured by
control signals communicated over the thin coaxial line 207. The
control signals may be at a different frequency than the IF signals
communicated via the RF device 203A-203F. The control signals may
also be utilized to configure a mesh network with external devices,
such as the receiving devices 114A-114D. In this manner, the RF
signals transmitted by the enabled RF modules 203A-203H may be
communicated via a mesh network to one or more devices outside the
immediate short-range communication area, such as line-of-sight
communication at 60 GHz frequencies, for example.
[0061] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary RF
module, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a tap 305, a coaxial line 307
and an RF module 300 comprising a mixer 301, antennas 303A-303D,
and a filter 309. The antennas 303A-303D may comprise antennas
operable to transmit and/or receive RF signals, and may be
configured with different orientations, for example. The tap 305
and the coaxial line 307 may be substantially similar to the taps
205A-205H and the coaxial line 207 described with respect to FIG.
2.
[0062] The mixer 301 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic,
interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to frequency shift a
received input signal. For example, the mixer 301 may receive an IF
input signal and generate an RF output signal. The mixer 301 may
also receive as an input signal, an LO signal that may be utilized
to up-convert the received IF signal to RF frequencies.
[0063] The antennas 303A-303D may be substantially similar to the
antennas 120A-120M described with respect to FIG. 1B, and may be
operable to communicate RF signals between the host device 110a, or
the laptop 150, and one or more external devices, such as the
receiving devices 114A-114D. The antennas 303A-303D may enable
communication via a mesh network of repeaters.
[0064] The filter 309 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic,
interfaces, and/or code that may be operable to pass signals at a
desired frequency range, while attenuating those that are outside
of the desired frequency range. The filter may comprise a bandpass
filter, lowpass, or a highpass filter, for example. Accordingly, if
up-converting to RF, and sum and difference signals are generated
by the mixer 301 based on the LO signal and received IF signal, the
filter 309 may allow only the high frequency RF signal to pass to
the antenna 303, thereby acting as a highpass filter.
[0065] In operation, control signals in the coaxial line 307 may
configure the tap 305 to tap off a portion of an IF signal
communicated via the coaxial line 307 and communicate it to the
mixer 301. The LO signal may be utilized to up-convert the IF
signal to RF frequencies, and the filter 309 may filter out all but
the desired signal at a frequency above a configurable corner
frequency of the filter 309. The control signals may also configure
a mesh network of repeaters for communicating the generated RF
signals over a farther distance than possible to a single receiving
device. The repeaters may also comprise a plurality of RF modules
for communicating RF signals, with IF signals communicated within
the repeater devices via coaxial lines.
[0066] The filtered RF signal may then be communicated to one or
more of the antennas 303A-303D. A desired signal characteristic,
such as RSSI or BER, for example, may be utilized to assess the
signal received in a plurality of antenna configurations. This may
be repeated for each of the antennas 303A-303D as well as for each
RF device. In this manner, if one or more of the antennas 303A-303D
results in the best signal, that configuration may then be used to
communicate RF signals with desired receiving devices.
[0067] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary steps in a
60 GHz distributed communication system utilizing a mesh network of
repeaters, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Referring to FIG. 4, after start step 401, in step 403, RF modules
and antennas may be enabled. In step 405, the optimum configuration
or configurations may be determined for the desired receiving
device or devices. The optimum beamforming configuration may be
determined based on, for example, CNR, CINR, SN, SINR, throughput,
BER, PER, FER, QoS, latency, and/or signal strength. In step 407,
baseband signals may be up-converted to IF, communicated to one or
more RF modules where they may be up-converted to RF before being
transmitted to one or more external receiving devices. In step 409,
the RF signals may communicated to other repeater devices until the
final destination receiving device receives the RF signals. The
exemplary steps may end at step 411.
[0068] In an embodiment of the invention, a method and system may
comprise configuring a plurality of antennas 120A-120M, 303A-303D
in the plurality of remote RF modules 203A-203H, 300 for
communicating RF signals, wherein each of the plurality of remote
RF modules 203A-203H, 300 may receive IF signals via one or more
coaxial lines. The RF signals may be transmitted via the plurality
of antennas 120A-120M, 303A-303D to a destination device via a mesh
network 120, 206, wherein the mesh network comprises the plurality
of remote RF modules and one or more repeaters 114A-114C, 204A-204D
external to the wireless communication device 110a, 150. The IF
signals in the one or more coaxial lines 207, 307 may be tapped at
taps coupled to the plurality of remote RF modules 203A-203H, 300.
The repeaters 114A-114C, 204A-204D in the mesh network 120, 206 may
be configured via the wireless communication device 110a, 150. The
plurality of remote RF modules 203A-203H, 300 may be configured
utilizing a processor in the wireless communication device 110a,
150, where the control signals for the configuring of the plurality
of remote RF modules 203A-203H, 300 may be communicated via the one
or more coaxial lines 207, 307. The mesh network 120, 206 may be
configured utilizing a processor 111c in the wireless communication
device 110a, 150. The control signals for the configuring of the
mesh network 120, 206 may be communicated to one or more of the
plurality of RF modules 203A-203H, 300 via the one or more coaxial
lines 207, 307. The RF signals may be generated from IF signals
from one or more baseband signals that may comprise one or more of
video data, streamed Internet data, or data from a local data
source. The RF signals may comprise 60 GHz signals.
[0069] Other embodiments of the invention may provide a
non-transitory computer readable medium and/or storage medium,
and/or a non-transitory machine readable medium and/or storage
medium, having stored thereon, a machine code and/or a computer
program having at least one code section executable by a machine
and/or a computer, thereby causing the machine and/or computer to
perform the steps as described herein for 60 GHz distributed
communication utilizing a mesh network of repeaters.
[0070] Accordingly, aspects of the invention may be realized in
hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof. The
invention may be realized in a centralized fashion in at least one
computer system or in a distributed fashion where different
elements are spread across several interconnected computer systems.
Any kind of computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying
out the methods described herein is suited. A typical combination
of hardware, software and firmware may be a general-purpose
computer system with a computer program that, when being loaded and
executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the
methods described herein.
[0071] One embodiment of the present invention may be implemented
as a board level product, as a single chip, application specific
integrated circuit (ASIC), or with varying levels integrated on a
single chip with other portions of the system as separate
components. The degree of integration of the system will primarily
be determined by speed and cost considerations. Because of the
sophisticated nature of modern processors, it is possible to
utilize a commercially available processor, which may be
implemented external to an ASIC implementation of the present
system. Alternatively, if the processor is available as an ASIC
core or logic block, then the commercially available processor may
be implemented as part of an ASIC device with various functions
implemented as firmware.
[0072] The present invention may also be embedded in a computer
program product, which comprises all the features enabling the
implementation of the methods described herein, and which when
loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods.
Computer program in the present context may mean, for example, any
expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of
instructions intended to cause a system having an information
processing capability to perform a particular function either
directly or after either or both of the following: a) conversion to
another language, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different
material form. However, other meanings of computer program within
the understanding of those skilled in the art are also contemplated
by the present invention.
[0073] While the invention has been described with reference to
certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the present
invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a
particular situation or material to the teachings of the present
invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is
intended that the present invention not be limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but that the present invention
will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *